If it's not plastic, what is it made from?

GLITTEREVOLUTION’s guilt-free glitter products are made from plant-based film (cellulose). The material is derived from the fibers of eucalyptus trees, one of the most widely available and fastest growing trees on the planet.

Most commonly available glitters are made with a PET (plastic) film. Once it is disposed of, traditional glitter leaves behind teeny-tiny pieces of plastic (a.k.a. microplastic!) in the ecosystem forever. But that’s not the case with our glitter, as it is biodegradable!

Is it safe for the ocean?

Yes, our guilt-free glitter will fully biodegrade in both marine (ocean) and wastewater environments, in the presence of heat, water, oxygen and microorganisms.

Our biodegradable glitter is also suitable for anaerobic digestion. That means that if a fish or other marine animal accidentally consumes it, the glitter will break down in the process of digestion, instead of remaining in the animal and accumulating as it is consumed up the food chain.

This is in sharp contrast to traditional plastic glitter, which can wreak havoc on marine life, since it stays in the ecosystem once disposed.

How long does it take to biodegrade?

The time it takes GLITTEREVOLUTION products to biodegrade can vary greatly (from months to years), depending on the environmental conditions you are in. It will vary depending on different factors, like whether you're swimming in the ocean or dancing in the desert, whether you apply it with an organic oil base or a dry brush, and how humid the climate is in your geographic location.

In general, biodegradation requires four things: heat, water, oxygen and microorganisms. The more of those four things that are present in the environment, the faster the glitter will biodegrade.

There are dozens of factors that will determine the speed of biodegradation. For example, in the ocean, currents, temperature and types of algae present will all impact the rate at which it breaks down. Generally speaking, it will degrade in the ocean faster than in the desert!

Will it biodegrade inside the package?

No. GLITTEREVOLUTION products are very stable. We package our custom glitter mixes as loose glitter (without any adhesive base) in order to extend their shelf life. It is a good idea to keep your glitter mixes cool and dry and clean. The best way to apply it is to use a makeup brush to keep the container free of bacteria that could be transferred from your skin. Unless the container gets moisture and microorganisms inside, the glitter will not biodegrade in the package.

Is it home compostable?

There are European (EN13432) and American (ASTM D6400) standards for compostability of a material. These include requirements for material characterization (including heavy metals), biodegradation, disintegration, and eco-toxicity. The biodegradable film used in our products is certified to both EN13432 and ASTM D6400 norms. It is also certified by AIB Vinçotte for home compostability according to OK Compost Home standard.

Is it safe for my face?

Yes. GLITTEREVOLUTION products are cosmetic grade so they are made with the kind of manufacturing quality and cleanliness standards expected for something you put on your skin.

Be a street savvy, conscious glitter buyer! Know that other face and body glitter brands may sell products containing craft glitter – or chunky glitter (large hexes, other shapes, or confetti pieces). It’s not a great idea to put craft glitter near your eyes.

Even cosmetic glitter can become an irritant and scratch up your corneas if it gets in your eyes, which can be painful. By using cosmetic-grade glitter you are reducing this risk, but you cannot totally eliminate it.

When applying glitter to your face, keep it above the eyebrow and along the cheekbone for the smallest risk of getting it in your eyes. If you feel something scratchy in your eyes –DON’T RUB. Use eye drops and irrigate the eye to rinse it out. If the irritation persists, go see your ophthalmologist.

How is cosmetic glitter different from craft?

GLITTEREVOLUTION products are safe for your face because they contain cosmetic grade glitter. Cosmetic grade glitter is higher quality, and manufactured with stricter standards for cleanliness, than craft glitter. It is also 30-40% softer than traditional plastic glitter, so it feels better for your face. Of course, you can still use our glitter for eco-conscious crafting!

How do I apply it?

To keep the glitter fresh, our products are packaged as loose glitter. That means when you are ready to get your sparkle on, you will need an adhesive medium to keep it in place.

Apply the medium directly to your skin and press glitter over the top. For broad application, use a round brush. For precision, use a flat brush.

How do I remove it?

Dab some oil or oil-based makeup remover on a cotton round or tissue to remove glitter. When removing glitter from your face, swipe out and away from your eyes.

Use a fresh side, or fresh round, for each swipe until the glitter is gone. If you have glitter stuck between your eyelashes, use a Q-tip dipped in oil or remover to get rid of it.

How do I store it?

To maximize the shelf life of your glitter it is a good idea to keep your glitter mixes cool and dry and clean. The best way to apply it is to use a makeup brush instead of using your hands to keep the container free of bacteria that could be transferred from your skin. You can keep it for at least two years this way.